Christ: The Treasure of Our HeartsSample

As loved ones depart this world, they pass tangible and intangible property to their families, such as financial assets, land, personal belongings, memories, and legacies. But Jesus chooses peace instead of any material possessions. This peace is the farewell gift to the disciples as He's at the cusp of departing this world. Jesus had revealed himself to the disciples as the Way, Truth, and Life and promised that He would send the Holy Spirit, and now He closes His discourse. His farewell salutation mimics the customary oriental expressions two parties swapped as they parted ways: "Shalom! Shalom!" The dual nature of the salaam also reassures the disciples that all will be well with their souls.

The uniqueness of this peace is underscored by the emphatic possessive pronoun "My," which means that Christ's peace is custom-made and is only conferred by Him. Christ's peace passes all human understanding. The English phrase "peace" does not do justice to what Christ meant. To fully appreciate the assertion of "peace," one needs the aid of the Greek translation, which compounds its meaning and implication. So, when Christ says, "My peace I leave you," He means I leave you with prosperity, health, serenity, and a sound mind. This is the conferment of an avalanche of blessings. Peace is the spine of the well-being and growth of individuals and communities. Therefore, we are responsible for continuously fostering a peaceful environment where everyone thrives, belongs, and feels loved.

Peace is the absence of conflict (in our personal lives, families, and nations) whose impacts are far-reaching. Notice the contrast between Christ's peace and that bestowed by the world. Like grass in the field, worldly peace is both ephemeral and precarious. It leaves us with troubled hearts, emptiness, and fear. During this Advent season, let us meditate and reach out to God's peace as we ground ourselves in His Word and lift our hands in worship and fellowship with one another. Interestingly, one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit is peace. May we be filled and behold this precious legacy's growth to God's glory. Shalom!

Prayer

As we pray, let us remember the words of St. Francis of Assisi and strive to be instruments of your peace, Lord, bringing calm and comfort to troubled hearts. We beg your intervention in a world inundated with conflicts, hurt, and brokenness. Giver of peace, we ask you to grant us peace that surpasses all human understandings. Teach us to embrace your peace and shun that offered by the world. May your loving presence shield us from every evil force that aims to disrupt our sweet fellowship with you and one another.

Boniface Odong, Ph.D., serves as a part-time assistant professor for the Regent University School of Divinity.